Page 52 of Return Policy
“Oh, yeah.” I untangle her from me, and her brows crease slightly before she schools her expression. “Tough week.” I glance around for Sophia, my heart pounding against my chest, and spot her down by the water taking pictures of Sage and Julian as they surf.
Shit.
“Hey there, gorgeous,” Theo says, walking up and throwing an arm around Andi’s shoulder. “Glad you made it.”
“Yeah, I was definitely in need of a beach day.” She grins up at him. “Thanks for the invite.”
My eyes flick to Theo’s, and he winks at me with a mischievous grin.Shit stirrer.
Asshole, I mouth to him, and he laughs, dragging her away.
15
SOPHIA
“Finally, some sweet relief!” Charlie says as she, Sage, and I settle under an enormous umbrella the boys set up.
“Yeah, and the view is spectacular,” Sage says, practically drooling as she eyes Julian a few yards away. “Remind me to thank Elijah for the introduction to that fine tatted piece of ass.” Julian’s entire torso and arms are tatted up to his neck, and I’ve gotta admit, it is pretty damn hot.
“Yeah, sure.” I huff out a laugh as my gaze wanders to Elijah, who sits on a cooler a few yards away. He’s making casual conversation with the guys, and Andi throws her head back, laughing at every single thing he says, inching closer each time. She’s on him like flies on shit.Bitch, he’s not that funny.
“Earth to Sophia?” Sage says, snapping in front of my face, and I blink rapidly, returning my attention to her.
“Sorry, what?”
“Girl, what’s your deal?” She follows my line of sight. “Oh.”
“Do you think they’ve hooked up?” I ask the air.
“Well…” Charlie says, shifting awkwardly on the towel. “I know they did at camp over the summer. But I don’t know if they have since.”
Did he know she was coming?
Was he just using me for entertainment until she got here?
I shake my head, feeling angry at myself. I know better than to let my guard down and allow people in. They just end up disappointing me. Not that Elijah and I are even anything… Not that I have any right to be jealous when I’ve pushed him away at every turn. It shouldn’t bother me he has a beautifulcheerleaderflanking his side, but there’s a nauseating feeling in my stomach telling me I’m anything but unaffected.
“Are you seriously gonna sit here and let that girl piss all over your man?” Sage asks, obviously over my pity party.
“Excuse me?” I stare at her.
“So what? They’ve smashed. Big deal. We’re in college, Soph. This isn’t the 1950s, where everyone finds one boring person to suck and fuck for the rest of their life. Did you really think Elijah hadn’t slept around? My God, look at him.” I glance over and must agree, he is totally fuckable. “You’re into him. Who gives a shit he’s stuck his honey dick in another flower?”
“How am I supposed to compete with that?” I ask, looking toward the tall, gorgeous brunette all the boys seem to be enamored by.
“Um, with your banging bod and magic pussy,” Sage responds, gesturing towards me.
“Damn, Sage.” I smile wide, appreciative for the over-the-top pep talk. “You should be a motivational speaker.”
“I’ll take it into consideration.” She throws an arm around me and kisses the side of my head. “Now go mark your territory.”
The three hard seltzers running through my veins determine my next action. “Fine.” Buckling my belt bag across my body, I grab my Polaroid camera and strut to the water.
Click.One of the ocean, capturing the mesmerizing way the sun gleams off the water.
Click.Another of our friends, sitting on coolers and under umbrellas.
Gotta make sure I’m not too obvious about my real target…
